'Her smile could be heard over the airwaves': tributes pour in for Lotus FM icon Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi

Lotus FM presenter Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi, known for her exceptional musical knowledge and warm on-air presence, was laid to rest last night at the Brooke Street Muslim Cemetery.

Colleagues remembered her as 'the kind of broadcaster where you could hear her smile over the airwaves' as the radio community mourns the loss of a cherished voice

Siddiqi passed away on Friday morning.

Salma Patel, executive producer of Lotus FM News and Current Affairs, told the POST last night, that she and Siddiqi had shared a great bond and were more family than work colleagues over the years.

“Nobody could compare to Zakia’s musical knowledge. She had the respect of the industry and her musical knowledge was above par. She was always a warm and friendly person. I learnt so much from her. 

“She was the kind of radio broadcaster where you could actually hear her smile over the airwaves. That drew  more people to her. She was not just an entertainer. She was also a good friend who would keep you up to date with the latest music, play your fav tracks. She also had wonderful pet names for us at work. 

“She had funny ways of connecting with us. The difficulty for me is being strong in helping my colleagues come to terms with her death. I grew up listening to her and I have her to thank for it. She gave me a lot of encouragement when I went to Lotus FM. May god grant her the highest stages of Jannat. May she rest in peace,” Patel said.

A post on the Lotus FM Facebook page read: “Lotus FM mourns the passing of Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi, a cherished member of our family who served this station with unwavering dedication for decades.

“Zakia’s warm spirit, professionalism, and her remarkable rapport with our listeners made her a beloved voice in countless homes across the nation.

Her contribution to Lotus FM and to broadcasting will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and light. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Fakir Hassen, who fist appointed Zakia to the station shortly after he took over as Station Manager in 1985, described her as a colleague who became a lifelong friend and confidante. “Can't find words to express my heartbreak at the passing of my dearest friend and confidante Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi who first impressed me during her interview for Radio Lotus.

“We shared so many personal and professional memories together Best I can do is reminiscence over the good times with the many photos I either took of her with others or that were taken of us together over the years, always with her infectious smile. Will be treasured forever,” Hassen said in a Facebook post.

“Zakia never had a bad word for anyone, even when she was upset with them. She shared with me many of the challenges that she faced, often seeking advice, and her greatest fear was not being on air any longer doing what she enjoyed most, something she shared with me during the last of our frequent telephonic conversations just a few weeks ago,” Hassen told the POST.

Also on Facebook, another former Lotus FM presenter, Fareed ‘Docky’ Dockrat, said: “May Almighty be pleased with you Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi - a friend, a colleague, a co presenter, a confidante, a kind caring considerate human being and a genuinely gifted broadcaster.

"Your tears at my leaving Lotus FM are nothing compared to these we shed at your leaving us all so soon."

Siddiqui was married to legendary poet Safee Siddiqi and they had two children – Safeenaaz, a lawyer in Cape Town, and Basharat, a graphic designer.

Safee passed on in November 2012, almost to the day that Zakia also passed.

She never allowed his memory to be forgotten as she frequently quoted his poetry at public events.

Once a popular presenter as a full-time presenter on Lotus, Siddiqui worked for a short while for Radio Al Ansaar as well before returning to Lotus a few years ago.

During a reshuffle at the station, she was given a night-time daily talk show which she developed into one of the most popular programmes on the station.

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